Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both kids at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
Pushchairs And Prams will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.